West Ham have accomplished the signing of Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The left-back makes the transfer to London Stadium having helped Slavia Prague win the Czech title in 2024-25 after becoming a member of them from Norwegian aspect Tromso in January 2024.
Diouf, 20, has joined the Hammers on a long-term deal, changing into their first signing of the switch window as head coach Graham Potter appears to be like to enhance on their 14th-placed end final season, with 2025-26 set to mark his first full marketing campaign in cost.
He’s set to affix West Ham’s pre-season coaching camp in Germany this week.
“I’m actually joyful to be right here and to make a development for my profession. I’m wanting ahead to working exhausting and becoming a member of my new team-mates,” Diouf advised West Ham’s official web site.
“There have been lots of groups [who wanted to sign me], however I selected West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was an excellent plan for me.
“Everybody needs to come back right here to play within the Premier League. I feel it’s a dream for everybody. When they’re right here, they wish to make all the pieces good. I feel additionally they have the character to play right here and in case you are younger, you wish to proceed your development.
“In case you are younger, you must maintain your character. It’s in regards to the crew. A very powerful factor is the crew, not the participant. I wish to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very joyful to be right here with them. I feel we’ll make an excellent season this 12 months.”
Potter added: “We’re very happy to welcome El Hadji Malick to West Ham United.
““He’s a younger participant we’ve got been waiting for a while, and any person that we consider generally is a actually good match for what we try to construct on the Membership.
“He has proven great energy of character and maturity at such a younger age – leaving his dwelling in Senegal to maneuver to Norway at 18, after which shifting on to Prague – and his performances have been at a persistently excessive stage for a while now.
“He has made some terrific progress up to now together with his golf equipment and with the Senegal nationwide crew, and we’re wanting ahead to welcoming him into the squad and dealing with him to proceed that progress.
“The Premier League shall be a giant problem for El Hadji Malick, however I can inform that he’s actually excited by it and decided to make an excellent influence on the Membership and on our supporters. He’s younger, hungry and impressive, and I feel he shall be a really constructive addition to the group.”
